Synopses & Reviews
Less expensive, shorter, and more approachable than most introductory titles on the market today, this bestselling book examines criminal justice from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining elements of criminology, sociology, law, history, psychology, and political science. Cole and Smith encourage readers to become better citizens, to explore what justice means in our society, and to decide what role individuals can play in shaping that meaning. The authors challenge readers to consider both the mechanics of the criminal justice system and the human stories of people involved in the system. CRIMINALJUSTICE IN AMERICA, Sixth Edition, also includes a user-friendly and useful technology package, including a companion Web site.
Review
"One of the best introductory textbooks on the market and the only textbook that I use to teach Introduction to Criminal Justice."
Synopsis
With Cole and Smith's CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN AMERICA, Fifth Edition, you'll experience the field in real and exciting ways, AND excel in this course with the book's many effective study tools. You'll learn about the field's many new career opportunities. You'll read the true stories of offenders and their experiences within the system. You'll learn about the crucial role that public policy plays in understanding the workings of the criminal justice system. And you'll be exposed to the hot issues that are changing the face of criminal justice.
About the Author
George F. Cole is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Connecticut. Recognized for his outstanding teaching and research, Professor Cole is a Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He also held a fellowship at the National Institute of Justice and received two Fulbright-Hays Program research awards. Professor Cole developed and directed the graduate corrections program at the University of Connecticut and has published several criminal justice titles, including CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN AMERICA with Christopher E. Smith and AMERICAN CORRECTIONS with Todd Clear and Michael Reisig.Christopher E. Smith is Professor of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. Trained as a lawyer and social scientist, Professor Smith is the author of twenty books and more than 100 scholarly articles on law, the courts, and criminal justice policy. His books include three Wadsworth first editions, including CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS: MYTHS AND REALITIES, LAW AND CONTEMPORARY CORRECTIONS, and CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. He is also the co-author of CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN AMERICA (with George F. Cole).
Table of Contents
Part I: CRIME AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. 1. The Criminal Justice System. 2. Crime and Justice in America. 3. Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law. Part II: POLICE. 4. Police. 5. Police Officers and Law Enforcement Operations. 6. Policing: Contemporary Issues and Challenges. 7. Police and Constitutional Law. Part III: COURTS. 8. Courts and Adjudication. 9. Pretrial Procedures, Plea Bargaining, and the Criminal Trial. 10. Punishment and Sentencing. Part IV: CORRECTIONS. 11. Corrections. 12. Community Corrections: Probation and Intermediate Sanctions. 13. Incarceration and Prison Society. 14. Reentry into the Community. Part V: THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM. 15. Juvenile Justice. Appendix: Constitution of the United States: Criminal Justice Amendments. References. Glossary. Name Index. Subject Index. Photo Credits.